The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Season kicks off on Tuesday, September 16, with Matchday 1 action set to run until September 18, with different blockbuster fixtures across different stadiums in Europe.
From the inception of the competition, African footballers have consistently stepped up with match-winning displays to lead their clubs to success.
From Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, to Egyptian maestro Mohamed Salah, Footy-Africa explorer the top 5 African players to watch out for in the 2025/26 UCL season.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
The Turkish champions open their campaign on Thursday against Eintracht Frankfurt and all eyes will be on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who should make a return from injury to lead the line for his side.
He completed a €75 million move to the club in the summer following an impressive loan spell last season and will be seeking to make an impact in Europe’s elite club competition this season.
The 26-year-old has nine goals in 17 UCL appearances and netted six times for the Lions in the Europa League last season, and is not new to making an impact on the big stage.
Eintracht vs Galatasaray Prediction and Betting Tips: Osimhen eyes return to UCL
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Two-time African footballer of the year award winner Mohamed Salah will look to make his mark once again in this season’s competition, starting with Wednesday’s opener against Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
The Egyptian wizard was instrumental in Liverpool’s triumph in 2019, netting five times and providing two assists, including scoring the opener in the final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Salah’s pace and finishing ability could be Liverpool’s X-factor if they are to repeat the feat and claim the crown from PSG.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Since his breakout season with Stuttgart in the 2023/24 season with Stuttgart, Serhou Guirassy has developed into one of the most lethal strikers in football with his precise finishing ability.
The Guinea striker finished joint top-scorer in last season’s competition with 13 goals, while his 18 goal contributions were second only to Barcelona’s forward Raphinha.
The 29-year-old has scored five times from four appearances this season and will be looking to open his account on Matchday 1 when Borussia Dortmund travel to Italy for a clash against Juventus.
Top 5 Nigerian players to watch out for in 2025/26 UEFA club competitions
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Achraf Hakimi lifted the prestigious UCL trophy with PSG last season, contributing four goals and five assists, including scoring the opening goal in the 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the final.
The 26-year-old thrives on the big stage and will look to prove decisive when his side begins their title defense against 2024 Europa League winners Atalanta on Wednesday.
The Moroccan brings experience and pace down the right flank and will play a crucial role across both ends of the pitch if the French side is to retain their title.
Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur)
Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus could prove decisive for Tottenham Hotspur in his debut UCL campaign for the club, beginning with an opening day clash against Villareal on Tuesday.
The winger has six goal contributions from nine previous appearances in the competition and has already provided two assists in four EPL matches this season.
Kudus’ magical left foot will be a key factor if Spurs are to progress beyond the league phase in this season’s competition.
